Mina Kimes noted a disparity in how Stephen A. Smith discusses Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys compared to the rest of the league.
During a segment on Thursday’s First Take, Smith argued that the Cowboys offense deserves blame if the team doesn’t meet expectations. Kimes wondered why the offense should shoulder more responsibility than the No. 30 defense, which has allowed 387 yards and 27.3 points per game.
“I just want to make sure I’m following this correctly,” Kimes said. “The Cowboys have a top-10 offense, bottom-three defense. And if they don’t succeed, we’re blaming the offense? The math ain’t mathing here.”
Kimes then pointed out that Smith is quicker to excuse Joe Burrow when the Cincinnati Bengals falter because of their anemic defense.
“I have seen you with my own two eyes and ears make the opposite case for Joe Burrow. ‘Oh, that awful defense in Cincinnati is the reason why Joseph Burrow isn’t in the playoffs and making Super Bowl runs. I feel this is a double standard for this quarterback (Prescott) compared to others who are saddled with awful defenses,” Kimes said.
The Cowboys fell to 1-2 following a gutting 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil last Sunday. Kimes thinks the defense, not Prescott’s offense, would be why they don’t return to the postseason.
“The question isn’t just what happened in that one game. It’s if the Cowboys falter, who deserves the most blame? … It is so obviously going to be the defense,” Kimes declared. “If this team doesn’t make the playoffs, they don’t make a run, I don’t think anyone on earth is going to suspect anything other than the defense.”
The NFL Live analyst replied to a clip from the “First Take” conversation with more data about the Dallas defense.
“Defense is 32nd in success rate and 30th in EPA/play and we’re talking about Dak?” Kimes asked.